Field of Dreams: Jacksboro's Swan brothers bring love of baseball to field every day

Jacksboro’s Swan family loves baseball.

And it’s not just a travel-ball-every-weekend kind of love, either.

Visit the property of seniors Kasey and Kyler Swan, and you’ll find a manicured baseball diamond equipped with lights that boasts a tree-lined outfield and a flag pole in center. Think “Field of Dreams” without the corn and Kevin Costner.

“Our grandpa provided it for us, and you couldn’t ask for anything more,” Kasey said. “Me and my buddies have been playing on it since we were little. It’s just a dream. We’ve made so many memories that we’ll remember for a long time.”

The tight-knit brothers are also making memories away from Swan Field. Jacksboro (28-7-1) has advanced to the regional semifinals for the first time in a couple decades, and the Swans have played an important role in that run.

Kasey is one of the Tigers’ top pitchers, entering Wednesday’s best-of-3 series against Shallowater with a 7-2 record, 0.64 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 54.2 innings.

Meanwhile, Kyler — who should be a junior but is graduating early — is Jacksboro’s starting catcher and has a knack for throwing out would-be base stealers.

“It’s one-in-a-million. I’ve caught a lot of people, but there’s nothing like catching my brother,” Kyler said. “We’re super close and we’re best friends. If anyone ever gets a chance to play with their sibling, I would take it.”

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The last time Jacksboro made it to the regional semifinals was in 2001. That year, they had a first baseman/pitcher by the name of Kasey Swan. Now the elder Kasey is enjoying his sons making their own magical playoff run.

“Dad was a good player, but Kasey and Kyler — I think he’d even tell you — are better than he was,” Jacksboro coach Blake Belcher said. “Their dad is the reason. He didn’t get to play as much baseball as his boys have. They built Swan Field down there by the creek and practice on it all the time. That’s how important baseball is to the Swan family.”

Kasey, who recently signed with Howard Payne, made a point to work hard in the offseason and has seen his velocity improve by 3-4 mph. Now he regularly throws 87-88 and his favorite pitch is his curveball.

“His velocity is up, and he didn’t used to throw his changeup nearly as much,” Belcher said. “He can throw any pitch at any time, and that makes it hard on hitters.”

In addition to his two-hit shutout of Iowa Park last Friday, one of Kasey’s best memories from this year was a five-inning perfect game against City View on March 22.

Kasey didn’t grasp the stakes until before the last inning when he realized no one was talking to him in the dugout. Suddenly, he became a jumble of nerves.

Kasey got a strikeout and groundout to begin the fifth inning before working a full count on the next Mustang. He struck Aiden Jackson out on a curveball, but the ball tipped off Kyler’s glove and got away from the catcher.

“That’s the fastest I’ve ever seen him move,” Kasey said of his brother, who threw down to first base to close out the perfect game. “Everyone went crazy. It’s something we’ll talk about forever. I’m glad I threw it with him catching.”

Kyler started catching varsity games as a freshman, and he decided early this year as a junior he wanted to graduate early with his brother and friends. Kyler will be going to Tarleton State next year to study engineering and be part of the school’s NASA initiative that helps build satellites.

Not only has Kyler thrown out 45% of would-be base stealers (14 of 31), but he also bats .286 and leads the team in walks (20) and on-base percentage (.488) from the No. 8 spot in the lineup.

“His pop time is insanely fast,” Kasey said. “I don’t see anyone else we play spot the ball where he wants to throw it. He’s a good power hitter, too. He had surgery on his back a good while ago, and now he’s fully recovered so he’s hitting it way further.”

The Swan brothers have been playing baseball together since they can remember, whether it be travel ball or at family Easter gatherings on their home field. They know it’ll be coming to an end soon, but they are hoping the ride can last a couple more weeks.

“Baseball has always been my happy place,” Kyler said. “Me and my brother have traveled all over the country with showcases. It’s a really big thing. It keeps us busy for sure.”

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Jacksboro's Kasey Swan and Kyler Swan key part of UIL baseball playoff run